Kevin Grant is a recipient of the California Peace Prize

Kevin Grant, Violence Prevention Network Coordinator, center, and Ron Wysinger, Area Team Leader for East Oakland , left, stop to talk to a young man near the corner of 98th Avenue and International Blvd. in East Oakland, Calif. on Friday Jan. 28, 2011. (Laura Oda/Staff)

Kevin Grant, a 2009 Bay Area News Group Hometown Hero, is one of three recipients of the California Peace Prize, which includes a $25,000 award.

Grant, a city of Oakland violence prevention coordinator, has devoted himself to helping steer people away from crime since he was released from federal prison in 1989.

He leads three community outreach teams that try to mediate potentially violent situations and connect residents to available services.

Also receiving an award was Su Yon Park, a licensed psychologist and clinical coordinator at Children's Hospital in Oakland. Park, who died of cancer earlier this year, was honored for her work providing mental health care for Oakland youth.

The California Wellness Foundation awards the prizes to individuals who improve public health and welfare. The award ceremony is scheduled for Dec. 12.